Increased O₂ consumption and energy loss in premature infants following medical care procedures

Oxygen consumption (VO₂) and CO₂ production (VCO₂) were measured continuously for 24 h in 10 premature infants during their ongoing nursing care. Using a How-through technique, the total VO₂ and VCO₂ over a given period of time were determined from the area under the O₂- and CO₂-conccntralion-time curve of the mixed expired gas. Following chest physiotherapy, heel slick and i.v. needle insertion, there was a significant (p <0.01) increase in VO₂ and VCO₂. When measured for 24 h. the total daily increase of VO₂ attributed to these procedures ranged from 2.1 to 11.7% of total daily VO₂, equivalent to an estimated energy loss of 0.6-4.1 kcal/kg/day.